Contribution of Mango IPM Strategy for Fruit Fly Control on Household Welfare in Kenya

Mango production and marketing is hampered by fruit fly infestation that is responsible for high pre and post-harvest losses. To reduce the losses, cost of production and increase the profit at producer level, International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) had developed and disseminated Integrated Pest Management strategy for suppression of mango fruit flies in selected counties in Kenya. Despite the rapid uptake of the IPM strategy, the role of socio-economic and institutional variables influencing adoption was not clear. Further, the effect of IPM strategies on the welfare of farmers was still not clear in literature. This study was conducted to fill this gap. The general objective of this study was to contribute towards improved market access and improved livelihood through enhanced adoption of IPM technologies for suppression of mango fruit flies in selected counties in Kenya. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire on a sample of 660 mango farmers from Embu, Meru, Machakos and Makueni Counties. The study employed a multi-stage sampling procedure technique.  STATA software was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics, multivariate Probit model, Endogenous switching regression method were used for data analysis. This study found that having a good combination of 2-3 IPM strategies gives the best returns to the farmer. A combination of fruit fly traps, bio- pesticides and orchard sanitation resulted to the highest returns. Education level was positively associated with the use of all IPM strategies available to the small scale mango farmer. This study recommends that the government and other development partners should invest in the provision of formal education and extension services. Empowerment of farmers with formal education would help them understand faster the need to shift to new technology and the effect chemicals when used to control pests to the environment, farm and to the farmer. Farmers are also to be sensitized to seek for extension services from both government extension agents and private extension service providers so as to get service regarding on the use of IPM strategies. To enhance farmer education, frequent trainings on new technologies and innovation, seminars, field demonstrations and field days should be organized for mango farmers to participate fully so that the adoption of the IPM strategies is achieved uniformly.